Awareness, Can you recognize human trafficking?

Have you ever been on a trip and seen something that seemed out of place? Over the past year we have spoken to a number of people who have been victims of trafficking. We have learned some very important lessons from these conversations, and think it’s important to share them with you. This list is not comprehensive

Signs of trafficking in a Hotel, Motel, or Apartment Complex.

1. Unexplained traffic to a specific room, this traffic may come and go at 30 minute or 1 hour intervals which will soon be followed by others in similar patterns.

2. A single individual will rent multiple rooms and will most often pay in cash

3. An unexplained presence of a person who appears to be standing guard, or maintaining vigilance from another room window.

4. Several young women or young men with a single man in a nice vehicle who remain at the location for an unexplained amount of time.

5. The young women or men may appear tired, malnourished, and may seem depressed or under the influence of narcotics or alcohol

6. The young women or young men will often dress provocatively and inconsistent with their age.

7. The young women or young men may be dressed at a lower standard than their travel companions

8. The single older man will be seen making food runs, keep irregular hours, and the young women will rarely be seen outside of their room or rooms.

9. In many instances human traffickers use motels where door access is open and visible from the parking area to allow the pimp to observe for signs of Law Enforcement from a distance. We have also noted that

10. Unexplained noise or violence regularly coming from the same room or rooms

If you see something please don’t keep it to yourself. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-3737-888.